Leafy Sea Dragon

The Leafy Sea Dragon is a marine fish related to the Seahorse and is found around southern and western Australia. It gets this name because of the long leafy extensions on its body. These leafy extensions are not meant for swimming, rather only for camouflage.

The leafy sea dragon uses tiny pectoral fins found on its back for propulsion. These fins are almost transparent and difficult to see when used for movement. When the Leafy Sea Dragon moves, it appears as a floating sea weed thereby confusing its predators. The Leafy Sea Dragon feeds using a long, pipe-like snout. Its diet consists of plankton, shrimp and small fish.

The Leafy Sea Dragon uses its head to steer but its outer skin is solid thereby limiting mobility. Leafy Sea Dragons have been observed remaining in one location for extended periods of time (up to 68 hours) but will sometimes move for lengthy periods at a speed of up to 150 meters (490 feet) per hour.